sphinctor pharyngoplasty

[Kelly Haynes]

Hi! My name is Kelly Haynes. This is my first time posting. I
am not exactly sure how all of this worksbut I am dying to get
some information from another parent who may have experienced
what I am concerned about. I have a son who is two years &
three months old. He was born with a severe unilateral cleft lip
& palate. He has already had his lip repaired at age 8 weeks
and his palate repaired at age 6 months. We are due to go see our
Craniofacial team this week and one of our major concerns is his
speech. Over the last week has he just started to say the
"P" sound in words. My concern is that he may need
another surgery this summerto help him with his speech. I have
heard of a pharyngeal flap surgery but our SLP says our child
would more than likely need a sphinctor pharyngoplasty. I am
desperately trying to find someone who has had a child who has
been through this surgery. I want to try to find out want happens
before the surgery(nasendoscopy?) and what is the recovery like
compared to the palate repair? (That was the WORST thing to see
my child go through.) Any information any of you have would be
GREATLY appreciated! I am so nervous about our appointment this
Friday. I'm afraid they are going to tell me he needs this
surgery and I want to have a little bit of back ground info.
before we go for the appointment. Thank you for any info you can
share!!!! If you would like to reach me via e-mail, my address is
"khaynes@bibb.k12.ga.us"